Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for communicating product development information, the method comprising: generating, by a server, a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving, via the first interface, the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by a 3D printing system, a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by the server, a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; communicating, by the printing system, the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image.
A method for product development collaboration involves a server providing a web interface. This interface lets users upload 3D model files and specify reviewers who should examine them, along with available 3D printer settings. A 3D printing system then generates a list of compatible 3D printers based on the specified settings. Reviewers access a second web interface to view the 3D model, select a 3D printer from the generated list to physically print the model, and provide feedback on the resulting physical object. This feedback is then sent to the original designer of the 3D model.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein: the first interface is configured to facilitate uploading a revised version of the 3D image and for specifying version information associated with the revised version, and wherein the second interface is configured to facilitate selection of a desired version of the 3D image for review.
This builds upon the initial method. The first web interface also allows uploading revised 3D model versions and specifying version numbers. The second web interface then lets reviewers select which version of the 3D model they want to review and provide feedback on. This supports iterative design and version control within the feedback loop (method for communicating product development information, the method comprising: generating, by a server, a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving, via the first interface, the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by a 3D printing system, a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by the server, a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; communicating, by the printing system, the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising: receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the revised version of the 3D image and associating the feedback information related to the revised version with the revised 3D image.
This invention relates to a system for processing and managing three-dimensional (3D) images, particularly in collaborative or iterative workflows where multiple users may contribute to modifying and reviewing 3D image data. The system addresses the challenge of tracking changes and feedback across multiple versions of a 3D image, ensuring that revisions and associated feedback are properly linked and accessible. The method involves receiving a revised version of a 3D image through a second interface, which may be a user interface or an automated system. The revised version is generated based on modifications made to an original or previous version of the 3D image. The system then receives feedback information related to the revised version, such as annotations, comments, or corrections, through the same or a different interface. This feedback is automatically associated with the revised 3D image, ensuring that all relevant feedback is stored and retrievable in context. The association may involve metadata tagging, database linking, or other methods to maintain the relationship between the revised image and its feedback. This approach improves collaboration by preserving the history of changes and feedback, allowing users to track revisions and understand the rationale behind modifications. It is particularly useful in fields like medical imaging, engineering design, or virtual reality, where iterative refinement of 3D models is common. The system ensures that feedback is not lost or disconnected from the corresponding image version, enhancing workflow efficiency and accuracy.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein: the first interface is configured to facilitate specifying one or more queries for which feedback is sought and a feedback type for each of the one or more queries; and the second interface is configured to display the one or more queries and to receive feedback associated with the one or more queries.
In addition to uploading the 3D model, the designer can also specify particular questions or queries about the model and define the type of feedback expected for each question. The second web interface displays these questions to the reviewer, allowing them to provide targeted feedback according to the specified type. This focuses the review process and ensures specific information is gathered. (method for communicating product development information, the method comprising: generating, by a server, a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving, via the first interface, the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by a 3D printing system, a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by the server, a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; communicating, by the printing system, the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the feedback type is one of: a text response, a numeric range, and a Boolean value.
The types of feedback solicited for each question can include text responses, numeric ranges, or simple true/false (Boolean) values. This allows the designer to tailor the feedback collection to the specific information they require. (the first interface is configured to facilitate specifying one or more queries for which feedback is sought and a feedback type for each of the one or more queries; and the second interface is configured to display the one or more queries and to receive feedback associated with the one or more queries).
6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising communicating, by the server, a notification to the one or more reviewers to indicate that the 3D image has been received and is ready for review.
When a new 3D image is uploaded and ready for review, the system automatically sends a notification to the designated reviewers, informing them that their feedback is requested. (method for communicating product development information, the method comprising: generating, by a server, a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving, via the first interface, the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by a 3D printing system, a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by the server, a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; communicating, by the printing system, the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising aggregating feedback information received from a plurality of reviewers, and communicating the aggregated feedback information to the designer.
The system collects feedback from multiple reviewers and aggregates it into a single report or summary that is then provided to the designer. This avoids the need for the designer to individually process feedback from each reviewer. (method for communicating product development information, the method comprising: generating, by a server, a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving, via the first interface, the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by a 3D printing system, a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating, by the server, a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; communicating, by the printing system, the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein aggregating feedback information further comprises calculating an average value associated with the feedback information and communicating the average value to the designer.
As part of the feedback aggregation process, the system can calculate an average value for numerical feedback and provide this average to the designer. This provides a quick summary of the general sentiment or quantitative data. (aggregating feedback information received from a plurality of reviewers, and communicating the aggregated feedback information to the designer).
9. A system for communicating product development information, the system comprising: a server configured to: generate a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a three dimensional (3D) image associated with a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receive the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; and a 3D printing system configured to: generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; wherein the server is further configured to: generate a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receive, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; wherein the 3D printing system is further configured to: communicate the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; wherein the server is further configured to: receive, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicate the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image.
A product development system uses a server and a 3D printing system for collaborative design. The server hosts a web interface where designers upload 3D models, identify reviewers, and set 3D printer configurations. The 3D printing system generates a list of compatible printers. The server creates another interface for reviewers to view the 3D model, select a printer from the list to physically print it, and give feedback. The 3D printing system then prints the model. The server collects the feedback and sends it back to the designer.
10. The system according to claim 9 , wherein: the first interface is configured to facilitate uploading a revised version of the 3D image and for specifying version information associated with the revised version, and wherein the second interface is configured to facilitate selection of a desired version of the 3D image for review.
In the product development system, the designer can upload different versions of the 3D model through the initial interface, specifying version information for each. The reviewer's interface allows selection of a specific version for review. This enables version control and targeted feedback on individual iterations of the design. (A system for communicating product development information, the system comprising: a server configured to: generate a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a three dimensional (3D) image associated with a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receive the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; and a 3D printing system configured to: generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; wherein the server is further configured to: generate a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receive, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; wherein the 3D printing system is further configured to: communicate the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; wherein the server is further configured to: receive, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicate the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
11. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the server is further configured to: receive feedback information related to the revised version of the 3D image and to associate the feedback information related to the revised version with the revised 3D image.
Building upon the version control aspects, the system ensures that feedback provided on a specific revision of the 3D model is associated and stored with that particular version. This keeps feedback organized and prevents confusion when multiple versions are under review. (the first interface is configured to facilitate uploading a revised version of the 3D image and for specifying version information associated with the revised version, and wherein the second interface is configured to facilitate selection of a desired version of the 3D image for review).
12. The system according to claim 9 , wherein: the first interface is configured to facilitate specifying one or more queries for which feedback is sought and a feedback type for each of the one or more queries; and the second interface is configured to display the one or more queries and to receive feedback associated with the one or more queries.
The designer can create specific questions or prompts within the first interface, along with the desired feedback type (e.g., text, number, boolean). The reviewer then sees these questions in their interface and can provide targeted feedback accordingly. (A system for communicating product development information, the system comprising: a server configured to: generate a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a three dimensional (3D) image associated with a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receive the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; and a 3D printing system configured to: generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; wherein the server is further configured to: generate a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receive, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; wherein the 3D printing system is further configured to: communicate the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; wherein the server is further configured to: receive, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicate the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
13. The system according to claim 12 , wherein the feedback type is one of: a text response, a numeric range, and a Boolean value.
The available feedback types for the prompted questions include text responses, numerical ranges, and boolean (true/false) values. This allows the designer to customize the feedback format to best suit the information being requested. (the first interface is configured to facilitate specifying one or more queries for which feedback is sought and a feedback type for each of the one or more queries; and the second interface is configured to display the one or more queries and to receive feedback associated with the one or more queries).
14. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured to: communicate a notification to the one or more reviewers to indicate that the 3D image has been received and is ready for review.
The server automatically sends notifications to reviewers when a new 3D model is uploaded and is ready for their review. This ensures timely feedback and keeps the design process moving efficiently. (A system for communicating product development information, the system comprising: a server configured to: generate a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a three dimensional (3D) image associated with a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receive the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; and a 3D printing system configured to: generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; wherein the server is further configured to: generate a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receive, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; wherein the 3D printing system is further configured to: communicate the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; wherein the server is further configured to: receive, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicate the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
15. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured to: aggregate feedback information received from a plurality of reviewers, and communicate the aggregated feedback information to the designer.
The system aggregates all feedback received from multiple reviewers into a single, consolidated report for the designer. This simplifies the review process by presenting all feedback in one place. (A system for communicating product development information, the system comprising: a server configured to: generate a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a three dimensional (3D) image associated with a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receive the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; and a 3D printing system configured to: generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; wherein the server is further configured to: generate a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers generated by the 3D printing system; receive, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; wherein the 3D printing system is further configured to: communicate the 3D image to the selected 3D printer, wherein the selected 3D printer subsequently prints an object that corresponds to the 3D image; wherein the server is further configured to: receive, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicate the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
16. The system according to claim 15 , wherein in aggregating feedback information, the server is further configured to calculate an average value associated with the feedback information and to communicate the average value to the designer.
When aggregating feedback, the system calculates the average value of numerical feedback provided by multiple reviewers. This provides a concise summary of quantitative assessments. (aggregate feedback information received from a plurality of reviewers, and communicate the aggregated feedback information to the designer).
17. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising at least one code section for communicating product development information, the at least one code section being executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform acts of: generating a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image.
A computer program, stored on a non-transitory medium, manages product development communication. The program creates a first interface for uploading 3D model files, specifying reviewers, and setting 3D printer options. It receives this data, generates a list of suitable 3D printers, and then creates a second interface for reviewers. This interface shows the 3D model, the printer list, and allows feedback submission. The program receives feedback and sends it back to the designer. The reviewer can also select a printer from the list to physically print the 3D model.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 17 , wherein: the first interface is configured to facilitate uploading a revised version of the 3D image and for specifying version information associated with the revised version, and wherein the second interface is configured to facilitate selection of a desired version of the 3D image for review.
The computer program also handles version control. The first interface allows uploading revised 3D model versions with version information. The second interface allows reviewers to choose the version they want to review. (A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising at least one code section for communicating product development information, the at least one code section being executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform acts of: generating a first interface configured to facilitate uploading data that defines a 3D image of a product to the server, specifying reviewer identifying data associated with one or more reviewers for reviewing the 3D image, and for specifying 3D printer configuration options available to reviewers to facilitate 3D printing the 3D image; receiving the 3D image, the reviewer identifying data, and the 3D printer configuration options; generating a listing of 3D printers capable of printing the 3D image based on the 3D printer configuration options; generating a second interface that includes a viewer that facilitates viewing the 3D image, one or more fields for specifying feedback information related to the 3D image, and the listing of 3D printers; receiving, via the second interface, a selection of a 3D printer listed in the listing; receiving, via the second interface, feedback information related to the object that corresponds to the 3D image; and communicating the feedback information to a designer associated with the 3D image).
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November 7, 2017
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